Russell Bugbee

Russell's Story

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MAPLETON - Russell W. Bugbee, 60, passed away unexpectedly June 21, 2016 at his home. He was born October 4, 1955 in Presque Isle, the son of Harry and Norma (Russell) Bugbee.

He owned and operated R.W. Bugbee Trucking. Russell known to many as "Blue Ox" started his lifelong career of driving truck in the family logging business with his father Harry and grandfather Maurice. He was a contractor for the US Postal Service for many years, but spent the last several years of his career in the woods where he truly loved to be. He was a very integral part of truck and tractor pulling throughout Maine and New Brunswick and dedicated almost every weekend of his summers operating the pulling sled. When Russell wasn't busy pulling he could be found in his shop fixing equipment or restoring tractors. He often said "if you broke it, I can fix it", and he would. He was a member of the North American Sled Owners Association, Maritimes Truck and Tractor Pull Association, operator of Maine Sled Owners Association, Director of Northern Maine Fair Association, Director of Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs, and previous director of the Maine State Truck and Tractor Pullers Association.

He is survived by two sisters Kathy Bourgoine and her companion Ed Bourgoine of Fort Fairfield, Cindy Deschaine and her husband Stephen of Presque Isle; nephews Shawn Bugbee and his wife Becki of Mapleton, Jimmy Vaughn of Bangor, Isaac Vaughn and his wife Lindsey of Washburn, Paul Deschaine and his fiancé Brittany Burlock of Blaine, Peter Deschaine of Presque Isle; two great nephews Brennen Bugbee and Holden Deschaine; one great niece, Hailynn Deschaine; a special friend, Anndrea Green of Alabama; and his dog, Ranger.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Family and friends may call 6-8PM, Thursday June 23, 2016, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church Street, Presque Isle where funeral services will be held 1PM, Friday. Interment will be at Crouseville Cemetery. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 80 Elm Street, Portland, ME 04101. Online condolences may be shared at www.duncan-graves.com.